Mark Webber refused to categorically rule out suggestions that he would quit Red Bull Racing – and possibly Formula 1 – at the end of the season.

In the wake of another outburst against the team’s decision not to employ team orders in his favour for the final races of the season, this has sparked the inevitable rumour that the Australian would be set to leave.

With few available frontline seats for the 2011 season, the odds of him retiring altogether – particularly if he secures the Drivers’ Championship crown – are considered to be reasonably high, although one of the more obscure suggestions floated by one paddock hack is that he would move to Ferrari as a replacement for the struggling Felipe Massa.

When approached by the BBC and asked to comment on whether he would break his contract with Red Bull, the defending Brazilian Grand Prix winner said: “That’s a pretty big step to take.

“As long as I’m enjoying my driving and performing really well, then of course I’ll be here next year,” he added.